The transatlantic relationship today

Between 17 and 21 November 2025, the United States is focusing on International Education Week, a suitable time to reflect on the transatlantic relationship between the US and Europe, especially in light of recent developments in this field. Earlier this year, in September, colleagues at the Institute of International Education (or IIE) and the German Academic Exchange Service (known as the DAAD) co-authored a report titled "Transatlantic Mobility in Higher Education and Research: A Cornerstone of Transatlantic Relations". This publication offers a multifaceted set of insights into the movement of researchers, academics and students between the United States and Europe over time.

In this podcast episode, host Laura Rumbley welcomes three guests: Jason Czyz (President and CEO of IIE), Mirka Martel (IIE’s Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning) and Michael Hörig (Director of the DAAD’s Brussels Office, as well as the lead author of the recent IIE-DAAD report). Through their insights, personal and professional, we learn more about the transatlantic relationship today and the recent report addressing it. What led to this publication, what are some of the key highlights, and why is the transatlantic relationship so important? Join us to learn more about this fascinating topic by tuning in now!

About Jason Czyz

Jason Czyz is the President & CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), leading an organisation that, for the past 100 years, has advanced scholarship, built economies and promoted international exchange. During his tenure, Jason helped solidify IIE’s position as a strategic partner to the US government’s public diplomacy and educational exchange initiatives. At the same time, the Institute increased its capacity to fund rescue and emergency initiatives for displaced artists and scholars. Before joining IIE, Jason worked extensively in Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and Central and South Asia on legal reform, utility regulation and infrastructure privatisation projects. He holds degrees from Knox College, UNC-Chapel Hill, and a J.D. from Catholic University.

About Mirka Martel

Mirka Martel is Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning at the Institute of International Education (IIE). She manages research and evaluation projects specialising in international education, leadership and development. Mirka’s oversight of key resources, including the historic Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange and the Project Atlas research initiative on global student mobility, advances the field and provides strategic insight into the future of academic mobility flows in the United States and worldwide.

About Michael Hörig

Michael Hörig is the Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Brussels Office and is responsible for representing DAAD towards the institutions of the European Union, European partner organisations and German representations in Brussels. Previously, he held different positions at DAAD, including Head of Division Strategic Planning, Head of Section ‘Development Cooperation: Partnership Programmes, Alumni Projects and Higher Education Management’ and Head of Section ‘West and Central Africa and the Centres of African Excellence.’ Before joining DAAD in 2011, Michael Hörig worked as a programme manager at the European University Association (EUA) in Brussels, Belgium. Michael graduated from Ghent University in 2003, where he studied political science and international relations. He spent one year as an exchange student at Stockholm University in Sweden (Erasmus).